Ellerbe North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ellerbe, North Carolina.
1. The Rankin Museum of American Heritage
PORTAL TO THE PAST
The Rankin Museum of American Heritage serves as a captivating portal to the past in the quaint town of Ellerbe. Named in honor of Dr. Pressley R. Rankin Jr., the museum was founded in 1984 based on his lifetime collections and features exhibits of natural and local history, as well as Native American culture. In 2015, the museum dedicated space for an exhibit honoring Andre the Giant, who lived his final decade just outside Ellerbe.
2. Bynum's Peach Farm
FRESH ORCHARD DELIGHTS
Bynum's Peach Farm is one of the top attractions in Ellerbe, offering visitors a chance to experience authentic North Carolina agriculture. Visitors can pick their own peaches during season or purchase fresh pre-picked fruit and homemade products at the farm store. The family-friendly destination provides a taste of rural farm life and seasonal produce in the heart of Richmond County.
3. DeWitt's Outdoor Sports
SPORTSMAN'S PARADISE
DeWitt's Outdoor Sports ranks among the most popular attractions in Ellerbe for outdoor enthusiasts. This establishment caters to hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreation seekers with equipment, supplies, and local expertise. DeWitt's serves as a hub for the outdoors community in Richmond County, providing both products and knowledge for those looking to explore the region's natural resources.
4. John Lentz Hunter Education Complex
OUTDOOR SKILLS CENTER
The John Lentz Hunter Education Complex offers specialized outdoor education and recreational facilities in Ellerbe. The complex features shooting ranges, training areas, and educational programs focused on hunting, conservation, and outdoor skills. This facility serves both novice and experienced outdoor enthusiasts looking to develop their abilities in a safe, structured environment.
5. Colemans Creek Long Course
CHALLENGING GOLF EXPERIENCE
Colemans Creek Long Course provides golf enthusiasts with a challenging and scenic playing experience in the rolling landscape near Ellerbe. The course is designed to test players of all skill levels with strategically placed hazards and well-maintained greens. Golfers can enjoy the natural beauty of Richmond County while navigating this distinctive local course.
6. The Berry Patch
WORLD'S LARGEST STRAWBERRY
The Berry Patch features the World's Largest Strawberry, a unique roadside attraction drawing visitors to Ellerbe. This family-friendly destination offers seasonal berry picking, homemade treats, and photo opportunities with the oversized fruit structure. The Berry Patch combines agricultural tourism with quirky charm to create a memorable stop for travelers in Richmond County.
7. Ellerbe Springs Inn & Campground
HISTORIC RELAXATION RETREAT
Ellerbe Springs Inn & Campground is an enchanting destination surrounded by rolling hills, a tranquil lake, and the infamous Springs. The historic property combines comfortable accommodations with natural beauty, offering both inn rooms and camping options for visitors. Guests can enjoy the peaceful setting while exploring the storied springs that gave the property its name and reputation.
8. Andre the Giant Memorial
WRESTLING LEGEND TRIBUTE
The Andre the Giant Memorial honors the legendary professional wrestler who spent his final years living near Ellerbe. Located within the Rankin Museum of American Heritage, this dedicated exhibit showcases memorabilia and information about the beloved sports entertainment icon. The memorial provides wrestling fans and history buffs alike with insight into the local connection to this international celebrity.
9. Hamlet Depot and Museums
HISTORIC RAILWAY HERITAGE
The Hamlet Depot and Museums preserve the rich railway heritage of the region near Ellerbe. The historic depot features a distinctive peaked roof described as "an elegant umbrella" and houses exhibits on local railroad history. This cultural landmark serves as both an educational resource and a reminder of the significant role railways played in developing the communities of Richmond County.
10. John Blue House
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The John Blue House stands as a remarkable example of rural Victorian architecture in Laurinburg, a short drive from Ellerbe. This unique home, built in the late 19th century, features distinctive steamboat-inspired design elements and showcases the prosperity of the region's agricultural past. Visitors can tour the house and surrounding historic buildings to gain insight into the area's cultural and economic heritage.
11. Starworks
CREATIVE ARTS CENTER
Starworks is an innovative arts center located in Star, North Carolina, not far from Ellerbe. This creative hub occupies a former textile mill and now houses studios for glass blowing, ceramics, and other artistic endeavors. Visitors can watch artisans at work, participate in workshops, and purchase unique handcrafted items from the onsite gallery and shop.
12. Town Creek Indian Mound
ANCIENT CULTURAL SITE
Town Creek Indian Mound is a significant archaeological site in Mount Gilead that preserves the ceremonial center of the prehistoric Pee Dee culture. The reconstructed earthen mound and village offer visitors a glimpse into Native American life from approximately 1000-1400 CE. This historic landmark includes a visitor center with interpretive exhibits and guided tours of the reconstructed structures.
13. Taxidermy Hall of Fame and Creation Museum
UNIQUE NATURAL HISTORY
The Taxidermy Hall of Fame and Creation Museum offers a distinctive educational experience in Southern Pines, within driving distance of Ellerbe. This unusual attraction combines displays of wildlife taxidermy with exhibits presenting creationist perspectives on natural history. Visitors can view a variety of preserved animals while exploring the museum's particular interpretation of science and nature.
14. Seaboard Festival
ANNUAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
The Seaboard Festival is an annual celebration in Hamlet that draws visitors from throughout the region including nearby Ellerbe. This community event features local arts and crafts, regional food vendors, live entertainment, and activities commemorating the area's railroad history. The festival typically takes place in the fall, bringing together locals and tourists for a day of small-town Southern charm and hospitality.
15. Rockingham Speedway
HISTORIC RACING VENUE
Rockingham Speedway, formerly known as North Carolina Speedway, is a historic motorsports venue located near Ellerbe in Richmond County. This one-mile oval track has hosted numerous NASCAR events throughout its storied history and continues to attract racing enthusiasts. The speedway offers a nostalgic connection to racing's past while still hosting various motorsport competitions and events today.